renewed mind from those which are at enmity with God. "Nevertheless," as our apostle says, "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and (this also,) Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." Let us rest on this foundation: use all diligence in departing from whatever is contrary to the doctrine of Christ; and solace ourselves with the assurance, that however imperfect be our knowledge, God perfectly sees who believe his word, and do his will. But whatever degree of perfection we may obtain, all boasting is excluded; to God's grace must the praise be ascribed. The Christian is not characterised by any consciousness of his own goodness, but rather by his sense of sin; by his penitence, humility and love. He does not, like the boasting pharisee, thank God that he is not like other men; but rather prays in humble hope, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

It is often made an objection to Christianity, and a melancholy one it is, that some Christians live no better than other men. In regard to some professors, we are compelled to acknowledge that the objection is just. But let it still be remembered, that Christians do not boast of perfection, nor pretend to be wholly free from sin. The apostle in the chapter next preceding our text, has set this matter in its true light. But if the Christian be not of all men the most righteous, he is of all the most penitent. What we hope is, not to be perfect and useless, but to obtain that righteousness which is by faith ;" or, which is the same thing, to "live a life of faith in the Son of God." A good Christian is chiefly dis

tinguished by repentance, and faith, and hope, and charity. If in this world he becomes perfect in any thing, it is in love. He has in his heart the principle of holiness, counteracted indeed to a mounful degree by indwelling corruption: the flesh lusteth against the Spirit: when he would do good, evil is present with him. But with his mind he serves God: he loves his Saviour, and truly desires in all things to be conformed to his righteousness. If through carelessness and frailty he falls into sin, his conscience is alive; he repents and is more vigilant. What chiefly remains, and is of far the greatest importance, is that the natural enmity against God in our own heart be subdued; that we obtain that renewal of the mind which is most of all essential to our hope in Christ. "To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The scriptures teach that "the friendship of the world, is enmity with God." An inordinate affection for temporal things is inconsistent with the love of God. They who do not love God may fear his displeasure: they may desire to appease his wrath; to conciliate his favour: they may do many things because God commands them, and yet dislike his government; his service may be irksome; his laws a painful restraint. Whenever you feel any thing of this sort, you may reckon it as the remains of this enmity. If you are wholly reconciled to God, if the enmity is subdued, you will love his service; you will delight, as the psalmist did, in the way of God's commandments. A repugnance to spiritual things, is the sure characteristic of a carnal mind. The scriptures speak of no neutral ground; no middle state between loving God, and being at enmity with him. If we are

not for him, we are against him: and we gather with him, or scatter abroad. When a man lives well, or acts according to God's commands, charity will incline us to believe that it is from a good motive; from the love of God. But he may do what God commands, because he is possessed of honourable sentiments, or despises what is vicious. Keep this distinction ever in your view: "They that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Here is the difference between the carnal and the spiritual mind; the natural man, and the disciple of Christ; the one lives to himself, the other to God. From which motive do we act? Is the Lord our God, or are his enemies our idols? God grant that we may be of those "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and are in Jesus Christ."

Amen.

D

SERMON II.

་་་་

THE FAITHFUL SAYING.

1 TIM. i. 15.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

In this busy world are various reports in continual circulation. Mankind, impelled either by the desire of knowledge or idle curiosity, spend a great part of their "time in telling or hearing some new thing.' But few, however, of these reports, are worth the time and pains which they cost, either to tell or to hear them. Many things which are confidently reported, and men listen to with eager attention, are false and totally unfounded. Others are so exaggerated or misrepresented, that they deceive those who credit them, and are often injurious to the characters of our neighbours. Others still are so trivial and unimportant, as to be totally unworthy of any serious regard. And of those which are of a more serious nature, the greater part are such as do not concern ourselves, and in most instances, it would be better for us, and for society, if we did not concern ourselves with them. But St. Paul tells you, in the text now

read, that there is a report, which is neither false, nor doubtful, nor uninteresting: it is founded in the truth of God, and deeply concerns every living soul: it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation. This faithful saying is, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. It is a saying which has no claim to novelty: it is found throughout the holy scriptures; it is the subject of the whole bible; it has been very extensively reported for almost two thousand years; and now, at this blessed time, it is throughout the world proclaimed by thousands, and twice ten thousand tongues. But such is its vast importance, that it is still worthy of all men to be received;" and by us especially, who are here assembled. And I propose, the Lord permitting, to speak first, of the nature; and, secondly, of the character of this "faithful saying."

I. In considering the nature of this report, the divine person who is the subject of these good tidings, is worthy of our first and particular regard. This person is Christ Jesus; a person the most wonderful, and to us the most interesting of all beings. He is the Eternal Word or Wisdom of the Deity, by whom, and for whom all things were made, and are still upheld. He took our nature, "was made flesh, and dwelt among us. "" And thus he became Christ, or Messiah, anointed of God as our Prophet, Priest, and King. And he took the name Jesus, as being our Saviour. But by this condescension, his divine nature is not, and cannot be degraded. In this character of Christ Jesus, and as our advocate with the Father, "all power is given unto him in heaven and